Suspect charged with murder for Key Peninsula double homicide that he allegedly told investigators was self-defense

Charges increased for suspected gunman in death of Pierce County sheriff's deputy

Pierce County prosecutors charged 40-year-old Tobin Panton of Bonney Lake with first-degree manslaughter for allegedly taking aim and firing at a fleeing car thief outside his home last week. Instead he fatally wounded his neighbor, Linda Green, as she sl Dean J. Koepflerdkoepfler@thenewstribune.com

Pierce County prosecutors charged 40-year-old Tobin Panton of Bonney Lake with first-degree manslaughter for allegedly taking aim and firing at a fleeing car thief outside his home last week. Instead he fatally wounded his neighbor, Linda Green, as she sl Dean J. Koepflerdkoepfler@thenewstribune.com

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Deputy prosecutor Jared Ausserer asked Panton be jailed in lieu of $500,000 bail, saying his actions the night of Green’s death were reckless.

Defense attorney Lance Hester, who represented Panton for Monday’s arraignment, argued that his client should be released on his own recognizance.

Panton, Hester said, has no criminal convictions, maintains strong ties to the community and cares for his mother.

Foley acknowledged Panton’s lack of a criminal history, but said she was concerned about his alleged indifference to safety the night of the shooting. She ordered him jailed in lieu of $200,000 bail and directed him to surrender his firearms to the Sheriff’s Department should he post bail.

Several relatives and friends of Green attended Monday’s arraignment. Many wore purple to honor Green, who loved the color so much she was known to dye her hair that shade.

One of her brothers, Marvin Green, said outside court that his sister’s death has ripped a hole in his family. Linda Green served as the glue that held together the clan, he said.

“She was a giving, kind, thoughtful person,” Green said.

He tried to describe his reaction upon being in the same room with Panton.

“He was just a normal guy. He doesn’t seem too radical, looking at him,” Green said. “He’s just one guy who was stupid, did stupid stuff. I hope God and the judge will find a way to make it right, but I don’t know if anybody can.”